Jobs for the boys

While one in four primary schools has no male teachers at all, Reigate Priory junior school has 15 men on the staff. Head Noel Lellman believes it is viral: the more male teachers a school has, the more it attracts. 'Male primary teachers will tell you that when they receive an application pack from a school, the first thing the do is turn to the staff list,' he says. Four of his male teachers went to the school themselves.

Adrian Pearce, year 6 teacher: 'I left my job as a manager at Ikea to train as a teacher. I wanted to do something worthwhile. Every child is unique. It’s fun getting to know their different characters and finding out what makes every child tick.'

Oli Moses, deputy head: 'People think male primary teachers swan about in tracksuits teaching PE, but we also look deal with tears and grazed knees. Teaching is varied and challenging – and children always put a smile on your face.'

Mark Epps, year 3 teacher: 'I started thinking about teaching when I became a father. I realised I liked being around children. I took voluntary redundancy from my sales job two years ago and haven’t looked back. Children are so open-minded. But they are often in awe of a male teacher because they haven’t been taught by one before.'

James Coring, year 5 teacher: 'I started out in youth work. Teaching seemed liked the natural progression. Children are so entertaining to work with. It’s great seeing them develop their skills and talents.'

Charlie Smith, year 3 teacher: 'I tried numerous careers – engineering, the tax office, the civil service – before going into teaching. I like it because it’s meaningful and not driven by profit-making. As a teacher, you need to be compassionate and authoritative.'

Michael Winterton, graduate teacher trainee, working in year 5: 'I like teaching this age group because they are all so enthusiastic about learning. One of the biggest challenges is overcoming the stereotype that primary teaching is a predominately female environment.'

Matt Nott, year 4 teacher: 'I fell into teaching. I went travelling after university and ended up teaching in an orphanage in Nepal. I enjoyed it so much that when I returned to the UK, I decided to train as a teacher. Other jobs I’ve had have been soulless.'

Lawrence Picking, year 5 student (left): 'Female teachers can be kind and sweet, but male teachers are more energetic and fun. My teacher supports Arsenal and I support Chelsea. It’s good to chat about football.'

Lucy Morris, year 5 student (right): 'It’s good to have both men and women teachers so you can see which you prefer. Mr Williams is the first male teacher I’ve had and he’s really funny. We get to go outside and do lots of PE.'